About

Robusto: 70s Futuristic Titanium Watch. Stronger than Steel.

€26,724

pledged of €20,000 goal

59

backers

What is a prototype?

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

Proof of Concept

Explorations that test ideas and functionality.

Functional Prototype

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

Appearance Prototype

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Design Prototype

Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Production Prototype

Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.

Prototype Gallery

These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.

We are Stefan and Marc, both born in 1970 which means we grew up the 70’s, a time when technology was rapidly changing and a decade where self-expression and individuality were hallmarks of the time.

Our first design, Robusto, has an awesome retro style and strong aesthetic influences from the decade of our childhood.

An era where high-tech futurism and radical experimentation with form were a reaction against the sleek mid-century modernism. The architects had exuberant spirits; they reveled in form, function, and funkiness. and watches had fantastic and futuristic designs that got you noticed.

Don't keep Robusto a secret..

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We were looking for a high quality timepiece that would withstand, not only, the test of time but also the burden of daily wear and tear. A timepiece that is engineered to the highest specifications, build with the best materials and designed to be robust yet elegant.

We didn’t find what we were looking for, and what we found we couldn’t afford… Designing and engineering our own watch was the only way to follow and so the TiMe22 story started.

Creating something is fun. Especially if you get to design something that you are passionate about. We believe that design is an integral part of product development. Designers are included in the earliest phases of innovative processes and the production development cycle.

We also believe that there is always a better way to solve a problem and that is why we never stop trying to make great ideas better. Lastly, we believe that people who use and love our watches deserve a lifetime guarantee.

Stefan Wessels and Marc Schot with the TiMe22 Robusto

Only the best materials and components

The Robusto Ti5 Titanium watch is made of the same material as jet engines and other aerospace components, titanium is 45% lighter than steel and anti-corrosive.

Most titanium watches are made from commercially pure titanium (grade-2 or Ti2 titanium). For us this material just isn't strong enough and most high quality watchmakers feel the same.

The titanium alloy used for TiMe22 bracelets and cases is one of the strongest alloys available. Grade-5 or Ti5 titanium, also known as Ti-6Al-4V, is obtained by a smelting process where pure titanium is alloyed with small amounts of aluminium and vanadium.

The result is a metal that is significantly stronger and far more scratch-resistant than pure titanium or even stainless steel.

The screwed down crown has the atomic number from titanium, 22, engraved in the center.

The hands and hour-markers are coated with Swiss Super-Luminova® BGW9. This makes them luminescent (glow-in-the-dark) and easy to read.

The Sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inside.

The dial is made from bronze and painted in colour. In direct sunlight the dial has a sparkle.

Dimensions

The Case has a diameter (width) of 45mm, creating a large bezel around the 29.50mm crystal.;

At the lugs (where the bracelet connects) the Robusto measures 28mm;

The case is only 10mm thick (height).;

The bracelet is 24mm wide;

The watch weighs under 130gr.

We have made two different variations of the Robusto:

Robusto Precision (battery operated)

Robusto Automatic (self-winding)

Both variations come with the same Ti5 titanium case and bracelet, the distinction is the movement.

Robusto Precision

The Robusto Precision features the Swiss made ETA Normflatline 955.112 battery operated movement with 7 jewels and battery End-of-Life display.

This movement is popular and widely used (most Tag Heuer battery operated watches use this movement). It is also one of the most reliable quartz movements you can get on the market today.

Robusto Automatic

The Robusto Automatic features the Swiss made ETA Mecaline 2824-2 Self-winding movement with 25 Jewels, 28.800 vibrations per hour and ETACHRON regulator system.

This movement is one of the best known and most widely used mechanical movements at all. It is considered to be accurate, robust and reliable and can be found in Tudors, Breitlings, Tag Heuers and many other brands.

Which movement should I choose?

When compared both movements have their advantages and dis-advantages. The first that comes to mind is that the Robusto Precision is more economically priced and the Robusto Automatic is more technically advanced.

Choose from 4 dial colours

You will have a chance to choose from the following four dial colours before we produce your watch. Please note that all options will be available on the Robusto Automatic as well as the Robusto Precision. In direct light/sunlight there is a great sparkle in the colours.

Mocha: The Mocha features a Pantone 411PC painted bronze dial.

Royal Blue: The Royal Blue feautures a Pantone 281PC painted bronze dial.

All watches produced for this Kickstarter launch will be individually numbered with a commemorative serial string. The serial strings consist of a character string and a numbered sequence. For the Kickstarter batch these will be limited edition of 300 watches:KICK001 till KICK300.

First backed, first served, meaning the earlier you back us, the lower the sequence number you will get. Please note that your backer number does not indicate the number you will receive because some backers before you may have purchased multiple watches.

Your Robusto watch will come in a presentation box. Take a quick look at our unboxing video:

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We offer FREE shipping for the Robusto. As an international customer, we’d like to make sure that you are aware that prices billed for goods shipped outside the European Union do not include any taxes, duties, VAT or other charges due to the recipient’s local or national government authority. These other charges, duties and taxes (including VAT) are the sole responsibility of the recipient and must be paid upon arrival in the destination country. Usually these fees are demanded prior to delivery and are collected by the shipping courier or local customs authority.

For more details please contact your local customs office. You may also use a Duty Calculator to calculate what you may be charged by your local government.

Quality control is carried out at every step during the watch assembly process. Each watchmaker is expected to verify the work of the previous watchmaker handling the piece and verify whether it conforms to TiMe22's strict quality standards.

Should a problem arise at any point in the assembly line, the watch is sent back to the start of the production line to be disassembled, and the process starts all over again.

We stand firmly behind our products and are committed to fanatical service. Each TiMe22 watch comes with a limited lifetime warranty of flaws in workmanship and materials.

We've been working on this Kickstarter project for the past year. It hasn't been easy, and we're proud to say, we're finally here!

As a VIP Ambassador you have the option to be featured on our TiMe22 website and have access to all future limited editions of our watches before they are publicly announced.

Robusto Ambassador Editions will never be available for retail. After the Kickstarter these special editions will only be made available to our selected brand ambassadors.

After reviewing our ideas and your feedback we have created our first Stretch Goal.

[UNLOCKED] WHEN WE REACH €30,000...

We will be introducing two new dial colour variations. The two new dial colours will be:

Imperial Red

Lunar Black

Remember, we will give you a chance to choose the exact color combinations for your watch/es before we ship.

WHEN WE REACH €40,000...

We will add our 'Strap Connector Kit' to all watches. This kit will allow you to connect any 24mm wide standard strap to the Robusto. We know you sometimes prefer leather or NATO straps over titanium bracelets :)

We're a professional team of 2 experienced engineers and watch designers from The Netherlands, friends for over 30 years. Both of us work on the design of our watches and we love what we do!

We are travelers, engineers and watch & cigar aficionados. We love the touch and feel of high tech materials and the typical minimalist, experimental, innovative, quirky, and humorous Dutch design. Born and raised in The Netherlands, a country where technology keeps our feet dry (literally), we value technological innovation and creative solutions. After several years of dreaming, imagining and planning we started this Dutch microbrand to design high quality Titanium wristwatches.

Be part of the TiMe22 Story

This is a story where we invite you to become part of: together we can turn the world of high quality watches upside down! Our reach only reaches our direct network. Liking TiMe22 on Facebook, Instagramor Twitter, or inviting friends and family via email will make a huge difference and help our project gain the momentum we need.

Risks and challenges

We've already received samples from the factory, and they all look and feel flawless and function perfectly. (Please refer to "Timeline" above.) With our previous experience in eCommerce of a Swiss watch brand, the risks associated with late delivery are very low. Since assembly is taking place abroad, please be aware that there may be unexpected circumstances that may lead to late delivery.
To ensure that every watch is created to standard and delivered in time, we will be maintaining constant and personal contact with the factory during the entire process of production. No matter what, we will update our backers during the production process.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge €1 or more
About $1.14

Show Some Love

You love the look of the Robusto. You want to be a part of the story. But you can't pledge for the full product. We appreciate your support and at this level will keep you in the loop with updates as we continue the journey! And of course, we will send a BIG thank you your way!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €649 or more
About $740

Robusto Precision Ambassador Edition

You'll receive ONE(1) battery operated Robusto Precision Ambassador Edition in the colour of your choice, you'll be able to pick the colour later.

Every watch brand has it's ambassadors. VIP's who represent the brand, wear the watches and get featured in publications. The very limited Ambassador Editions of our watches have personalized serial strings.

You can become one of our first ambassadors:

- We will feature you on our dedicated brand ambassadors section of the TiMe22 website (photo, story, link to your social media).
- You will be part of the official TiMe22 Ambassadors club and have VIP access to all future limited editions of our watches before they are publicly announced.

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

Robusto Ambassador Editions will never be available for retail. They will only be made available to our selected brand ambassadors.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €899 or more
About $1,025

Robusto Automatic Ambassador Edition

You'll receive ONE(1) self-winding Robusto Automatic Ambassador Edition in the colour of your choice, you'll be able to pick the colour later.

Every watch brand has it's ambassadors. VIP's who represent the brand, wear the watches and get featured in publications. The very limited Ambassador Editions of our watches have personalized serial strings.

You can become one of our first ambassadors:

- We will feature you on our dedicated brand ambassadors section of the TiMe22 website (photo, story, link to your social media).
- You will be part of the official TiMe22 Ambassadors club and have VIP access to all future limited editions of our watches before they are publicly announced.

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

Robusto Ambassador Editions will never be available for retail. They will only be made available to our selected brand ambassadors.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €1,549 or more
About $1,767

Robusto Ambassador Editions

You'll receive TWO(2) Robusto watches; a Robusto Automatic Ambassador Edition and a Robusto Precision Ambassador Edition in the colour of your choice, you'll be able to pick the colour later.

Every watch brand has it's ambassadors. VIP's who represent the brand, wear the watches and get featured in publications. The very limited Ambassador Editions of our watches have personalized serial strings.

You can become one of our first ambassadors:

- We will feature you on our dedicated brand ambassadors section of the TiMe22 website (photo, story, link to your social media).

- You will be part of the official TiMe22 Ambassadors club and have VIP access to all future limited editions of our watches before they are publicly announced.

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

Robusto Ambassador Editions will never be available for retail. They will only be made available to our selected brand ambassadors.